SODICK A320D - Chapter 9: Program Formatting; Program Formatting Concepts; Machining Punches and Dies

Wire EDM Machine Operation Chapter 9
Copyright November, 98 Page 9-1 Sodick Inc.
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The fifth Key Concept to operation is that you must understand the formatting of a CNC
wire EDM program. We have already looked at several complete programs, but they
were limited in their application. In this section of the course, we will show you more
good techniques for EDM programming.
The techniques and programming codes discussed so far may not make total sense, but as
you write more programs and practice what you have learned, this will get better. Also,
remember you have the conversational APT programming software that is built into the
control to minimize the need to use manual programming techniques.
Now, let’s talk about program formatting. As you have seen in the examples shown so
far, there aren’t that many different words and codes used in a program and you may
already be familiar with some of them.
Before we give examples of program formatting, we want to discuss the methods by
which different types of workpieces are machined on a wire EDM machine. You may
also want to review the information given so far.
As you know, accuracy and finish are directly related to the number of trim passes being
made. In some cases one pass around the shape will be adequate when accuracy and
finish are not critical. But when trim passes must be made you must understand how to
do them correctly for the various types of parts you will be machining. We will discuss
several types of workpieces that are typically machined on a wire EDM machine and try
to present the most important considerations.
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Punch machining requires that an area of the shape be left “UN-machined”. This area is
called the tab area. The purpose for the tab area is to allow the punch to remain attached
to the main workpiece during trim passes. The size of the tab is directly related to the size
of the part and the tab should be located so it remains stable while it is supporting the
part. Also the location of the tab area should be planned in a way to allow easy grinding
of the tab that will be left after the punch is cut off. The figure 9-1 is a drawing that
shows the programmed movements for a typical punch BEFORE THE CUT OFF.